Page 26 of Love You Madly

“Actually, yeah. I’ve got a date tonight,” I said, feeling a little awkward.

“A date? That’s great! Who’s the lucky lady?” Sabrina asked, her smile genuine.

"Remember the blonde bartender from the night of the turnout party?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Her eyes lit up in recognition. "Yes!"

"We’re having dinner at Monica’s in Coralville," I said, trying to sound more relaxed than I felt.

“Well, I hope it goes well,” she said sincerely.

“Thanks,” I replied. “I should get going—don’t want to be late.”

Just then, Barrett came bounding back into the room, a stuffed dinosaur clutched in his hands. “Mommy, look! It’s my T-Rex! Just like my drawings!”

So they were dinosaurs.

“That’s awesome, sweetie!” Sabrina said, her eyes twinkling. “Did you show Alex?”

“Yep! He knows all about the dinosaurs,” Alex said with a grin, walking back in from the playroom.

“Hey, buddy,” I said, crouching down to Barrett’s level. “I’ve gotta go now. Can I get a hug?”

Barrett flung his arms around my neck, squeezing tight. “Bye, Daddy! I’ll miss you!”

“I’ll miss you too, kiddo,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ll see you next week, okay?”

“Okay, Daddy,” he mumbled into my shoulder before letting go.

I gave him one last squeeze, then stood to leave. Sabrina and I exchanged a brief look—one filled with understanding—before I headed back to my truck.

Just as I was about to open the door, I heard Alex’s voice behind me. “Hey, Owen, before you go…”

I turned to face him.

“I just wanted to say thanks. I know meeting Barrett’s a big deal, and I appreciate you being so understanding.”

“No problem,” I said, giving him a nod. “As long as you’re good to him and Sabrina, that’s all that matters.”

He smiled, looking genuinely appreciative. “Absolutely. Have a great night, man.”

“You too,” I said, before finally getting into my truck and driving off.

As I made my way from Cedar Bluff to Coralville, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day. Seeing Sabrina with someone else was strange, but it was also a relief knowing she was happy. Barrett seemed to like Alex, and that’s what really mattered.

I hadn’t done much dating since my divorce, aside from that regrettable post-divorce fling phase, but this felt different. Excitement mixed with nerves fluttered in my chest. And maybe a little guilt too. Was I really ready for this? Was Heather just a test run?

By the time I arrived at Monica’s, the sun was dipping low, casting a soft golden light over the quaint little restaurant. I texted Heather, letting her know I’d be a little late, but she didn’t seem to mind. She was waiting at a table by the window when I walked in, looking elegant, her blonde curls framing her face as she smiled up at me.

“Hey, Heather,” I greeted her, sliding into the seat across from her. “Sorry if I kept you waiting.”

“Not at all,” she smiled warmly. “I just got here.”

We made small talk as we ordered, but there was a lingering awkwardness that neither of us could seem to shake. Conversation came in fits and starts, and I found myself distracted, my mind wandering to the dark-haired woman I couldn’t stop thinking about.

“So… you don’t drink coffee, huh?” I asked, trying to find some common ground.

Heather laughed, but it felt a little forced. “Nope, more of a tea girl.”

---